Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2023: General Studies (SET - A - Held on 28 May)

Kings employing women bodyguards
Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters
Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

Answer 1

The correct answer is Option 4.

Key PointsVattakirutal:

Origin:
- The practice of Vattakirutal is mentioned in Sangam literature, which reflects the warrior ethic and values of the ancient Tamil society.
Meaning:
- Vattakirutal refers to a ritual suicide committed by a defeated king.
- The king, accompanied by those loyal to him during his reign, would starve himself to death as a form of sacrifice.
Heroic Ideal:
- The Sangam poems, especially those in the Purananuru, glorify the ideals of bravery, valor, and a warrior's honorable death.
- Defeat in battle was considered a great disgrace, and ritual suicide like Vattakirutal was seen as a way to restore the honor of the defeated warrior.

Warrior Culture:

Heroic Death:
- In Sangam literature, a heroic death was highly valued. It was believed that warriors who died in battle would attain paradise.
Memorial Stones (Natukal):
- The worship of memorial stones was associated with this warrior ethic, serving as a tribute to the spirits of fallen heroes.
Vattakirutal describes the practice of a defeated king committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death, highlighting the emphasis on honor and valor in Sangam culture.
Hence, Option 4 is correct.